Out on the Ice in the Middle of the Bay, first issued in 1993, has been re-released by Annick Press. Written by Peter Cumming, author and playwright, the picture book answers the question, what if a polar bear cub and child met on the ice in the middle of the bay. In this story a girl named Leah and Baby Boy Nanook each listen to their parents' warnings about not wandering off. But each little one goes out exploring and they both see an iceberg out on the ice in the middle of the bay. There Leah and the bear cub encounter each other and even though their parents would be fearful the pair connects and Leah finds comfort in the warm, furry bear cub. Father is out looking for his daughter and mother polar bear is out searching for her cub. When the adults meet the encounter is not gentle but no one gets hurt. Father is so glad to locate his little girl and mother bear takes her cub to safety away from humans. All ends well for each parent and child but for one small moment a friendship was established between the young. ATOS Reading Level: 3.7; Reading Level: 3.5. Lesson Plan: http://www.annickpress.com/content/lessonplans/Out%20on%20the%20Ice%20Lesson%20Plan.pdf